IV nutrient therapy—the process of administering vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs and other compounds through the venous system—has become one of my favorite treatment modalities—and with good reason. IV therapy can be used to prevent and treat common illnesses such as respiratory and gastrointestinal infections; can treat a wide variety of ailments such as migraines, insomnia and musculoskeletal pain; and can be used as adjunctive treatment for more pathologic conditions such as autoimmune disease, chronic infections, and cancer. Through bypassing the intestines, maximal absorption of nutrients is ensured. Furthermore, quantities of nutrients that cannot be absorbed through digestive tract can be delivered to the cells that need them most.

Some conditions that are successfully treated with nutritional IVs include:

Acute illness

Adrenal fatigue

Anxiety

Autoimmune disease

Blood sugar dysregulation

Cancer support

Chronic fatigue syndrome

Premenstrual syndrome

Chronic pain

Detoxification

Digestive and gastrointestinal disease

Fibromyalgia

Infertility

Insomnia

Menopause

Mood disorders

Skin conditions

Obesity

Many people ask me if IV therapy hurts. For almost all of us, the answer is no! When IV therapy is performed by an experienced physician, you should feel no more than a slight pinprick. People are also curious as to how long receiving an IV takes. For most, the answer is 30 minutes to 1 hour, though certain IVs may take longer. Finally, people want to know how they will feel after. Most individuals feel very relaxed after their IV and experience an increase in energy 90 minutes to 2 hours later and sleep very soundly that night.

If you have specific questions about IVs or would like to know if you could benefit from IV therapy, feel free to get in touch. Through January 30th, all nutritional IVs are $35 off making it a great opportunity to try this amazing modality!

For years and years, fats have been given a bad rap. Starting around 1980, experts and the federal government advised replacing all dietary fats with healthy carbohydrates[1]. This was a big mistake. Instead of replacing unhealthy fats with vegetables, Americans replaced healthy fats with grains and sugar, leading to the epidemic of obesity and metabolic disease that currently plagues our country. The fact is, many fats are extremely good for our health:

Fats help us feel satiated and can help curb cravings for salty or sweet treats.

Fats do not spike our blood sugar like carbohydrates which lead to the desire to eat more high-carbohydrate foods.

Fat helps us build cell membranes as well as the sheaths covering nerves.

Monounsaturated fats such the ones found in olive oil, avocadoes, almonds and cashews have been shown to reduce belly fat[3].

Fats help us absorb certain vitamins and minerals. Vitamins A, D, E and K, for example, are absorbed better when eaten with something containing-fat.

Fats also improve the texture of our hair and the tone and quality of our skin.

Fats to avoid include trans fats; whenever you see “partially hydrogenated oil” on a label, that is a food best left alone. Research indicates that for every 2% of calories of trans fat consumed daily, the risk of heart disease increases by 23%[4]. Instead, increase your daily intake of the following types of fats:

MONOUNSATURATED FATS: The fats found in olive oil, almonds, cashews and avocados have been shown to be some of the healthiest fats we can eat, high in omega-3s which lower inflammation.

SATURATED FATS: While these fats—which are often found in animal fats—are debated, the saturated fats found in coconut oil have been shown to have many health benefits. One reason for this is due to the fact that coconut oil is high in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that are easy for your body to break down and use as fuel.

Polyunsaturated fats such as those found in vegetable and canola oil are still praised by much of mainstream nutrition, but have been shown to contribute to a plethora of chronic diseases, in part because of their tendency to go rancid and in part due to their high omega-6, or inflammatory, content[5]. It is best to leave polyunsaturated fats alone.

Whether you are trying to loose weight, increase energy or improve the function of each and every cell in your body, consuming more healthy fat is the way to go. For a delicious, healthy, anti-inflammatory sweet treat, sure to satiate any craving try my recipe for homemade Mustang Bars below:

Mix the seeds, coconut flakes and raisins together along with the honey, almond butter, vanilla and salt. Using a muffin tin, pour a small amount of coconut oil into the bottom of each tin. Top the coconut oil with the mixture containing the rest of the ingredients. Place in the freezer to solidify. Makes 6 to 8 depending on thickness.

Author

Dr. Elizabeth Winter practices integrative and functional medicine in San Diego, CA and sees patients from a distance via Skype. For more information about her and her practice philosophy visit About Dr. Winter.

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"Dr. Winter is knowledgable, compassionate and innovative. Both my 7 year old son and I were struggling with our own unique health problems. Dr. Winter got the bottom of the symptoms we each were experiencing and treated us using natural therapies. It has been amazing to watch the transformation in my son, particularly. Dr. Winter is adept at working with people of all ages and because of her guidance, I can truly say my family is healthy for the first time in a long while. -Colleen H.